Native Kentuckians, the Whitakers met and married while teaching at the same high school in their home state. They came to Ball State in 1976 after completing their doctoral degrees. Don was chair of the Department of Mathematical Sciences for 14 years, and Sue chaired the Department of Family and Consumer Science for 11 years. During their 34-year careers at the university, they served on and/or chaired multiple councils and committees.

The Whitakers are members of the Ball State University Beneficence Society, the Quadrangle Society, the 1918 Society and the Cardinal Varsity Club. Their establishment of this fund recognizes two of their passions: academics and athletics.

To be considered for the scholarship, students must be incoming freshmen participating in a non-revenue-generating intercollegiate sport, have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and an SAT score of 1,500 on a scale of 2,400, or the equivalent on a similar exam. Funding is renewable for three years, allowing a total of four years’ eligibility if the student continues to meet the criteria.

Availability of the Donald R. and Sue H. Whitaker Scholar-Athlete Endowment is dependent upon an awards selection process established by Ball State. For more information, contact Intercollegiate Athletics at 765-285-5131.